UH Asia Pacific dance fest rallies after $25K cut, public support needed

Arzoo Dance Theatre, Rako Pasefika and Hālau Pua Aliʻi ʻIlima.

The festival highlights dances from across Asia and the Pacific. Credit: Dennis Nishihara

Participants can attend workshops led by acclaimed artists. Credit: Eric Chang

Audiences can take in a vibrant showcase of performances. Credit: Gregory Yamamoto

The 2025 Asia Pacific Dance Festival (APDF) is moving ahead—despite a last-minute loss of major funding. Just two weeks before its May 19 return to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, the National Endowment for the Arts withdrew its $25,000 grant to support the festival’s programming.

“While this loss poses a significant challenge, the APDF team remains committed to delivering an inspiring celebration of dance, culture and connection, and this only strengthens our resolve,” said SheenRu Yong, associate director of APDF. “We’re not canceling—we’re coming together.  The show will go on. If anything, this challenge is a call to gather for what matters, so come through.”

Hosted by UH Mānoa’s Outreach College, the festival runs through June 1, and brings together artists and dance traditions from across Asia, the Pacific and Hawaiʻi. Participants can take part in immersive workshops, attend performances and explore the cultural roots behind each movement.

The festival happens every two years and offers a deep, hands-on dive into storytelling through dance.

Purchase tickets online or by phone (808) 956-8246.

Festival highlights

Residents Artists:

Hālau Pua Aliʻi ʻIlima, under the direction of Kumu Hula Vicky Holt Takamine

Arzoo Dance Theatre from India/Canada, directed by Deepti Gupta

Rako Pasefika from Rotuma, Fiji, led by Letila Mitchell

Performance schedule:

• Living the Art of Hula
  Hālau Kilipohe Nā Lei Lehua
  Thursday, May 22 at 7:30 p.m.
   
• Local Motion!: A Tribute to H. Wayne Mendoza
  A celebration of traditional Filipino dance by Mendoza’s former apprentices
  Sunday, May 25 at 2 p.m.
• ʻIke Hana I & II
  Two dynamic performances showcasing different works by this year’s resident artists
  Saturday, May 31 at 7:30 p.m.
  Sunday, June 1 at 2 p.m. 

“The public is warmly encouraged to attend this year’s performances, share the festival with others,” said Yong. “Every ticket, every social share, and every gesture of support helps sustain this work.”

For a full schedule of performances and free public events go to APDF website.